As dominating as the Giants were on defense, the score yesterday was 21-21 in the waning minutes of the fourth quarter. None of the Vikings’ points, however, came against a Giants defense that has not allowed an opposing touchdown in more than 13 consecutive quarters. That’s a load of quality play.

But with 1:15 remaining in yesterday’s game, all the Giants had to accomplish on defense was to get the game into overtime and they could not do it. The Vikings, in an offensive shell all day, put together an eight-play, 42-yard drive that culminated in Paul Edinger’s game-winning 48-yard field goal to sink the Giants 24-21.

“That was the most crucial time in the game and it’s going to take away from everything we did previously,” linebacker Nick Greisen said.

“We have to find a way to get it done on defense at the end of the game,” echoed linebacker Antonio Pierce. “Defense blew the game. We are the ones that gave up the last three points. Our offense did their job at the end of the game taking us almost into overtime. It was our job to make sure it goes into overtime. It is not how you start, it is how you finish.”

Incredibly, the Vikings, in 21 rushing attempts, managed only 12 yards. They passed for only 144 yards and Brad Johnson was sacked four times.

The Vikes, though, did not turn the ball over on offense. On the final drive, Johnson hit Jermaine Wiggins for 21 yards and Marcus Robinson and Travis Taylor for 11 yards apiece. With no timeouts left, it was particularly infuriating to the Giants that both Robinson and Taylor were able to stop the clock by darting out of bounds.

“How in the world do they get in the ball out of bounds on us?” wondered coach Tom Coughlin. “We’re rolled up in coverage and they’re catching the ball underneath and getting out of bounds.”

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Tiki Barber‘s 111 receiving yards were a career high . . . The loss was the Giants’ first at home this season after four victories . . . The Giants lost despite out-gaining the Vikings 405-137 and holding the ball for 35:35.

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According to broadcast reports, CBs Curtis Deloatch and Frank Walker were fined $10,000 apiece for repeatedly fighting with each other.

“It’s inside business, that’s all I got to say about it,” Deloatch said. “I’m just keeping it inside the house.”

Walker was just as close-lipped.

“I don’t have much to say about it,” he said. “Ask Coach Coughlin.”

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Vikings coach Mike Tice suffered torn knee ligaments when he was run over on the sideline by the Giants’ Jamaar Taylor.

“With 14 years in the league I never hurt my knee,” Tice said. “To get wiped out on a punt return, that is kind of embarrassing.”

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Darren Sharper became the first Giant opponent to intercept three passes in a game since Washington’s Vernon Dean picked off three Phil Simms passes in 1984 . . . DT William Joseph was forced out in the last minute with a sprained left elbow. It was in a sling following the game.